01.06 First day of June hid more natural spots on our timetable. Firstly we visited a huge tree Gigante Buono. Even local school kids went there to study more about nature. Then we went outside of Sersale again to walk to another waterfall. It was with a really good access but waterfall itself wasn't so high and powerful as others that we had seen. But it was enjoyable to take last days with easier pace and enjoy more the surrounding. I discovered old mill ruins and explained how it was constructed. Even though I do not study a lot in university I remember the most important things. In the afternoon we saw how to make soap out of weird ingredients like ash. The most important part of soup making was mixing. It was physically harming - a good alternative workout exercise. Unfortunately the soap was too liquid when we left and we couldn’t bring piece of it with us. I started annoying people with camels story. Those brain games and anecdotes were popular during the project. We also visited a gelateria. We saw the whole ice cream making process and the right ice cream machine. Best part of that visit was of course degustation. Wild strawberry ice cream reminded me taste of Estonia :) In the evening we had an Italian cultural night. We got an overview of Calabria and Sersale. We all received souvenirs of Sersale and ate good Italian homemade food. Locals had cooked a lot of delicious food for us. And by now we were able to dance tarantella and sing along all the folk songs. After dinner in information center we started preparations for Erasmus party. One club literally made an Erasmus+ party and even a poster about it. Huuh, karaoke parties never can end well. And also this time. I wanted to sing something so badly that I end up singing L'essenziale. I hate myself because it is way too difficult song for me but I still want to perform it :P Two years ago I did kind of the same thing and probabilmente solo Heleri e Quirino ricordano quanto è stato male. And free alcohol is even worst thing that make you do stupid things. But even though I couldn't hear my voice at all I somehow survived those 3 minutes and the support from locals was amazing and heart-warming. At least I finally had a change to dance along club music. 02.06. Last project day was a total bureaucracy. We still needed to deal with our train tickets and to collect and print all our invoices and travel tickets. Because we only had Mihkel's computer it took a long time. At some point Mihkel went away for a period of time and came back with a camera. Better sooner than later. He didn't have anything to record anymore because we had visited all the great places already but at least for his next trips he has it already waiting. Weather was again cloudy, so it was great to make a tour and photographed architecture. I was lucky that I went back home before rain started to flood the streets. Rain was actually really refreshing but after that all the heat was back. In the mountains the weather is totally unpredictable. At least I got free time to rest. It is not a right project when you do not need to sleep during the day XD I realised that I lost my T-shirt. I have no idea how it is possible but it is lost. Allora, quando trovi la mia maglietta nera "Eat, Move, Sleep" scrivimi :) Even though I thought I'll skip evening activities I found a power to join with others. I don't know why but I became mentally tired in the end of the project. But I am more than glad that I participated in friendship rituals activity. And I saw so many similarities between Estonian and Italian rituals. All other Italians that I have met are usually more than far from nature. I would say that they even hate everything which is related with living nature. So, that's why it was great to relate with Sersale citizens. For some reasons Liis and Mari mixed their wine. Calimocho is pretty well-known Spanish cocktail but this recipe hasn't reached France. I mean, the reaction of Guillaume seeing Liis pouring coke into her red wine was priceless. And even though we played a trick to him I guess Gui still consider us as his friends but really impolite barbarian friends. Gianni and Guillaume left us right after the dinner. It sucks when people start leaving, everything will be so quiet. We tried to make a farewell party but because audio system didn't want to cooperate with us our party was over soon. I said goodbye to all the people around me and made a last tour in the town to enjoy yellow lights around the area. Night ended with latte shots. 03.06. In the morning Fabrizio gave us a lift to the Lamezia Terme train station. It was time to say goodbye to our active Italian soul as well :( From Lamezia we headed to Naples. Surprisingly the train arrived on time but we still arrived later to Naples than planned. First impression of Naples wasn't great. Immigrants have occupied the area near train station and trash is litarally everywhere in Naples! I though that trash mafia days are over. Oh, and there are many homeless people walking around. Maybe the environment change was too drastic: from cute small Sersale to metropol Naples. Anyway, after short city walk and pizza stop (this family restaurant was funny) we went to a museum with Meriliis. Now we had to say goodbye to Jane because she had to leave to the Rome soon. The entrance was free because it was Sunday At least one good aspect of Sunday :) I loved the exhibitions in archaeology museum. There were so many connections with my university frescos and my countryside manor. There were 4 paintings for why I even visited the place and it was amazing to find them finally. There was also a concert in the museum. It was comic: musicians arrived late, conductor looked like Filipp Kirkorov and they haven't practice enough before the concert. This was total anthropological experience. After cultural experience we went to discover the old town. Narrow streets were great and made a special atmosphere. And there are so many churches hidden between the houses. Because old town looked almost the same we decided to discover seaside. And there are many castles around the city as well. At some point we were walking on a crowded street along the seaside. From there we saw a sunset and view to Vesuvio. In Italy you wait for the bus for a long time and the point where you are ready to give up on waiting it arrives. So, we had to run to the bus with Liis. At least it was worth it, we got another free ride because bus driver was lack of tickets. Night ended in a cafe in our neighborhood. 04.06. Our mission on that day was to conquer Vesuvio. Liis had gathered some information how to reach there. Our first stop was in Herculaneum. Because Marilind lived nearby she walked there. We had a breakfast on a cafe next to a train station. Mihkel strated morning with lasagne. ˇWhen we were full of food we were ready to start our hiking. We tried to catch bus nr 5 but it didn't appear. So, one private bus stopped and offered us a good deal. He was ready to drive us to a half way with half price. Actually it was a mistake because the way up there was fucking long and there were some busses and cars appearing behind the curve all the way. After walking more than one hour we reached the ticket place. We were rebels and chose a trekking track to go up. Even though it was forbidden we took that non-touristic path. It was worth it because we saw more nature than many other people on the top. We made a buzz when we arrived on the top, the lady was really surprised and didn't understand how it is possible that we came from that side. Volcano itself was a bit disappointing for us. Crater was closed not like what you imagine when you think about volcano. On our way down we tried to find a bus but they all were too expensive and the way how the system worked was rude. Taxi mafia is a right term how to call it. So, we called to the driver who drove us there and we made a good price. At the same time we started walking down as well. Salvatore was really our saviour. After 20 km hike it was time to eat once again. This time we chose a restaurant next to the morning eating place but it was a mistake. Everything was there really expensive. But we were hungry so it actually didn't matter. After lunch we had to say goodbye to Mihkel because he needed to go back to Lamezia Terme to catch his flight. Because Meriliis didn't have much time to visit Pompeii anymore, she headed to Herculaneum ancient town. We also walked there with Marilind and saw the complex. Then we split and I just walked around the town. Surprisingly I met Liis once again and we went back to Naples together. In the train station I visited book and music shop to make my dream come true. About four years I had a wish to own Marco Mengoni CDs. Now I finally had this opportunity. I bought 3 different albums and they are probably the best souvenirs I have ever bought. After refreshing shower I was already on a sleeping mode 9 pm. But then I thought why I even bought tickets back home for tomorrow if I now just waste the time. Actually at first I planned to spend only "Una notte a Napoli" but life wanted to extend that time. Anyway, I decided to try Couchsurfing hangout to meet some locals or other travellers who want to explore the area. Gerardo was a best guide, he knew many historical places and popular places among the youngsters. We also visited a place where youth celebrate their birthday on an open-air area with a beautiful view. He introduced me a real Neapolitan culture. For example, I didn't have any information about Liberato before. I don't regret that I went out for my last night even though I was tired as hell. 05.06. Travel day fortunately didn't start too early. So, I got rest from yesterday. Because we already knew Italian train system I recommendet to Marilind pick an earlier train to reach our airport bus station. Because the train was late we still got enough time for our flight. Naples airport is a way better than Malpensa's one. It has enough shops, plugs and comfortable chairs. To be honest, I slept all my way to Milan. I literally fell asleep as soon as we entered the air zone and woke up when we landed. Well-spent time because after munching in Bergamo's airport I couldn't sleep anymore. Even though any other day had been hot as hell our arrival evening weather was cold. Thanks Estonia for a great welcome present :P It was good to be back home and eat black bread instead of panini again :) This time I want to thank an occasion. It is totally a coincidence with whom Seiklejate Vennaskond makes partnerships. I am glad that this time they cooperated with Terra di Mezzo and particularly that project was held in Sersale. I had been looking for this kind of small town in my mind for years. I always wanted to find something similar but to be honest I didn't even know what I was looking for. But now I know! And I am pretty sure that without Erasmus I couldn't find this place. There is now even a community page. Yes, it was a totally different project comparing to my previous experiences but this was totally a thing I needed most at that time. I figured out what I want from life and how to receive them. Now I can say it out loud as well. I definitely want to buy a property in Sersale. Moreover, I want to return back as soon as possible. Mainly because I see similarities between Saku and Sersale. I have had an idea to write a project on my own about a year but I was lack of ideas about the topic. Now I have a vision and concept to follow. So guys, I'll start writing a project and the venue will be Sersale! I want to say big thanks to the local community. They were supportive instead of the fact that they didn't speak perfect English. And Terra di Mezzo organization that they hold Calabria flag high. They are actually doing a hard work to promote south of Italy. And special thanks to Jane for making so many photos that I can in my blog as well. Sersale è l'essenziale :)
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28.05. Day was dedicated to eatable plants. So we followed the health road in the center to pick some flowers and other plants (for example dandelions) Because Romanian team had to present their culture in the evening they didn't participate in this activity. Actually it felt so lonely when one team was missing. But while others were collecting plants we discovered another cherry tree of course we attacked it with Estonian girls. After first round of harvesting we moved on to Monte Grozze continuing our expedition. Some local ladies joined us, they gave us pretty nice tips how to cook some kind of blossoms. Until the lunch we decided juts to chill in the nature. I was literally sitting under the bushes because I needed to spend time in the shadow. Sun was already too damaging for me. In the afternoon we washed all soiled plants. On the second part of the day we visited another waterfall. Cascata Campanaro was with easy access and beautiful as all the others. Before the dinner we had Romanian night. They presented us their culture via videos, songs and dances. It was hard to catch those steps but somehow the whole room were trying their best to dance those traditional dances. "Dragostea Din Tei" was a real party starter and then we were ready to eat all those sweets they brought with them. In the restaurant we tasted dishes made out of our collected plants. Actually the bread with some kind of green butter was surprisingly tasteful and frittered blossoms were great as well. For our surprise Romanians started cooking crepes to make our night even sweeter. 29.05. It was a really special day because it was Marilind's birthday. I had bought balloons and spread them in our room. We started our activity with a hike. Every time it is easy to go down to waterfall but it is hard to walk back. Anyway, Estonians always leaded the group and our group preferred walking instead of driving a short distance with a car. I guess it is in our blood because I have noticed the same tendency on my compatriots during my other projects as well. Singing competition continued while Carmine started singing Funiculi' Funicula' and changed the lyrics. He sang Jane instead of Jammo. So smoothly Jane were put into the song. After another panini experience we got some free time to discuss what we are going to do in our cultural night but it all took much more time than we expected and we missed the flute making workshop. Estonian cultural night went perfectly. Kahoot made a real buzz around the participants. Italians showed their skills and won the quiz. Wife-carrying competition seemed so silly but was actually really advertising. After our special dinner with birthday song and delicious cake we headed back to the information center. Night continued with Italian traditional music and dances. Tarantella - it is easier than you can imagine. You just need to jump like a grazy. It was really intense day but in the end I guess Marilind had an unforgettable memories. 30.05. We had another day on the beach. This time we went further and reached a nice resort Le Castella. As the name already refers, this place is popular because of the castle which we visited as well. Historical castle made me think about the life years and years ago. The life they had was totally different and the reason why they even fight for was insane. After culture we had a relaxation part on the beach. I liked this beach more because of the sand. But at some point the sand turned burning hot and it was impossible to walk on it. But some people still played volleyball, I have no idea how. I can only imagine how crowded the place is when it is high season. At least we visited the place with a great weather and a few people. To enjoy even more the sea we went to a boat trip. It had a glass bottom so we saw fishes and corals. Bravest ones even got an opportunity to jump into the water. At first the tour should have been longer and far from the coastline but because of the windy weather (actually I didn't notice big waves) we only were close to the shore. After beach we wandered around in the city. This place is totally devoted to tourism. A boulevard was full of shops selling souvenirs and beach equipment. I am content that I have reestablished my ability to sleep in different situations and places. For a while I struggled sleeping on strange places but this trip changed everything and I got sweet one our sleep in the bus on our way back. Swimming is always so tiring. In the evening we drove uphill and found ourselves from a courtyard with a pizza oven. They were already making food for us but we had a change to contribute as well. We put the top of the pizza and tried our best to put them into the oven as professionals XD This place had an amazing view to a night Sersale. Somehow Meriliis's creativity unfolded and she started telling stories that meed out of box thinking to solve them. 31.05.
This morning we had an option: wake up early and visit cheese factory or just sleep. Because I am addicted to cheese I chose the first option. So did all other participants as well. It was another family business. It was a small factory but it was enough for the citizens and people nearby. It was weird how mozzarella looked like a clue on the first stadium but in the end it still tasted like heaven. In the breakfast Meriliis made a fatal mistake while ordering latte instead of cafe latte. This is a typical mistake that an Estonian tourist do in Italy. After breakfast we headed to the northern part of the reserve. This nature there looked more like Estonian one. So, I felt like in home already. On our way we saw many ruins which were so romantically covered by nature. Now imagine that Colosseum were in the same conditions centuries ago inspiring many 19th century writers. Carmine but us again into extreme conditions. Actually just walking through the river wasn't nothing but walking on the unstable rocks was a challenge. The weather was cool and somewhere there was even a thunder. We walked some more and then Carmine did something that made me mad. We just walked uphill to see a huge tree and then down again. So, we made a circle. It would have not been a problem if this information would have reached me before. Then maybe I wouldn't choose this piccola giro. This time we had kind of buffet lunch. We had an option what to but between our bread. And the eating place was next to the planetarium. This area was full of tables but at that pint only we were there. In the evening we had museums visit. Firstly we went to ethnobotany museum. Local students also have classes there which is really cool because there is equipment to do small research. Then we went to the church. It is great that we were walking around people who had keys that opened any doors :D Wooden altar was great, reminded me one Estonian masters work. And the second church was even more amazing. It is not so incredible as in big churches, but still. And there was also represented Francesco's work. It would be an amazing feeling if your work is presented in local community. Our last stop was in municipality house. There were hanging historical photos of the town and another museum. It was full of everyday life items. We went directly to Bulgarian night. Their hospitality were amazing and all the food they had cooked for us made me want to visit Bulgaria again. It was our last dinner with Carmine because he had to left the place because of his child baptising. He put all of us an Italian name and made a rhyme out of it. After dinner we went to the Irish pub. It was difficult night for me I felt that end of the project is near and I was a bit nostalgic. This night they had a live music in Irish pub (like we had already every night in our restaurant) But all Sersale had gathered together once again. This time the audience was even younger. Many high schools students started to talk with us. Fortunately they spoke in English. And one thing that shows how lovely and sincere people live there is the fact when they invite you to their pizza oven to cook. I mean, it is a bit silly but it shows that people there are different from people who live in big cities. I hope citizens of Sersale never lose their purity. 24.05. This project certainly was a relief for me. I started my travel day in university. I did my drawings until last minutes and still couldn't finish them. Then I hurried to the airport. I met with Marilind already in the airport and saw Meriliis in the plane. In Malpensa airport we had to kill about 4 hours. It wasn't the best airport to hang out, but fortunately there was enough shops to do shopping because I forgot my bikinis at home and had to find new ones. Fortunately I found new swimsuit and my vacation was saved. Our second flight went quickly and soon we arrived to Lamezia Terme. Gianni already waited us with Jane. We all got pizza to eat. What can be a better welcome present arriving in Italy than eating pizza. In the bus we needed to wait for Bulgarian team. Romanians had already arrived. So we went outside to make first meeting circle. It was high humidity in the air. I was afraid that all the time it is going to remain like that. When all the participants were together we headed to Sersale. On our way I opened radio, finally the possibility to listen to Italian music has arrived. I already heard many familiar artists. Haha, and tunnels stopped all the fun. We arrived to Sersale like superstars. Group of locals were waiting for us. To be honest, I don't remember who came to greet us on the first night. Just too many new faces. Struggling with our accommodation took some time. But finally we got a room on a second floor with Marilind, we shared a bed. We were not aware of the fact that also in the downstairs we have a toilet. So, everyone came upstairs to use toilet. First night there was freaking cold. So, we had to heat up our room. Sounds ridiculous that you come to warm Italy and you are freezing while sleeping. 25.05. We had a breakfast in our houses so after balcony brunch we headed to the main square. We got our first coffee experience. Meriliis and Marilind were obsessed by ginseng coffee. Well, the first meeting between group leaders took some hours. At the same time we were discovering the streets close by with Estonian girls. It was a hot day already and we felt the temperature even more when we hiked up to the church. Magnificent view to the town made us creative because we though about games we can play within the group. We had a lunch on the top of the hill/mountain as well. At first paninis felt a good choice to eat on a hiking. Soon after eating Carmine's father arrived with his goat Fiocco di neve (snowflake) Because people were just sitting there and waiting for next activity we decided with Estonian girls to discover the area. On our way down to the town we discovered some cherries and of course we couldn't resist and had to pick them as much as possible. They weren't fully red but tasted already sweet. Because in the noon all the shops and gelateries were closed we went back home. Somehow we got a dog. She randomly came into our house and were super-friendly with us. I named her Fiorella. Fun fact is that now everyone calls her like that. My legacy definitely lives on in Sersale. I have done one good thing in my life and thanks to me one stray dog has a name XD In the afternoon we met with mayor. We had an opportunity to introduce ourselves. and hear about others. And they an article about our project to the local newspaper. We also visited a local shop and noticed a poster about our project there as well. We were totally superstars. First dinner we had on a pizzeria. But because we didn't have any locals on the restaurant we waited for them and killed time by playing ninja game with Estonians and Guillaume. Mișu occupied Jane's camera and made couple of random photos. By the way, first day under the sun was harming for Jane's skin. I was glad that I survived first day without getting sunburn. They brought us many Margheritas already and suddenly even more tasteful pizzas. So, you definitely wasn't prepared to eat all of it. After pizza orgy we headed to a local party. I guess it is the weirdest party I have ever seen. Band was playing in front of the bar and people were hanging on the street. It was a first time when we met with locals. To be honest, Italian pick up lines were really candid. "Vieni con me?" is pretty extreme one but yeah you never should give up and try this method. 26.05. Morning started as usual in the piazza. Day was dedicated to plants that are used to color things. After breakfast we headed back to the mountain church. Carmine's father had already prepared a fireplace and water for the first layer. We put white T-shirts in the pot with some plant roots. Then we went by cars to the Canyon Valli Cupe. We started our path without knowing how hard it actually will be. All the way down was actually easy and also walking along the canyon. And there were so many lizards (L) and we looked so funny with our orange helmets walking there. But the way uphill was exhausting. Down there we gathered bark and on our way back to the monastery we picked yellow good smelling flowers. Carmine gave us a real off-road experience. We discovered the beautiful view of the reserve. Mountains make landscape so much more interesting. For lunch we had paninis again. While eating Mișu showed his Romanian skills and Romanian guys had to practice Estonian. I have to mention that Romanians can speak Estonian really fluently, without any specific accent. Then we went back to the natural chemical lab and finished our shirt coloring mission. In the evening we went to the wedding dress exhibition. We were like VIP guest, they had reserved the whole row just for us. Erasmus was like a magic word in the village. I loved the exhibition idea. Usually a pride wears wedding dress only once in a lifetime but it takes so long time to choose the right one and it is a pity if it stands in the closet for next 30 years. And local models had a connection with dresses. It would be so nice to wear your mother's or grandmother's dress. After fashion show we looked around in labor museum and headed to planetarium. Actually the planetarium was funny but at least they tried to create something cool. This evening we had a dinner in a restaurant near by. Suddenly locals started gathering on the stairs and singing. At one point every national team had to sing something as well. We chose Raffaella Carra's notorious song Estonian version. And at some point we were surrounded by regional songs and then appeared a guitar and more singers. In front of the restaurant we made a spontaneous singing festival. I call Sersale a singing village. I guess all the citizens can perfectly sing and play some musical instrument. They should make a TV show orsm. about this talented place. 27.05.
Thanks to our great group leader we were able to sleep a bit longer and around 10 o'clock we went to the seaside. Actually I couldn't sleep long because 7 o'clock beautiful church bells melody woke me up. Fortunately Radio Italia is playing amazing music on Sunday morning and I didn't regret my lack of sleep. Oh, and after I understood that this church music was a holy call to me for visiting church like normal person do on Sunday. I just ignored it :P Beach was beautiful but a bit rocky. Even though nobody from locals didn't come to the water with us we didn't hesitate to swim in Ionian Sea. First time swimming in the sea this year, yeey. Romanians found a ray orsm. and started with anatomy class on the beach. Jane went for a walk but because we didn't have an information when we should go back she was lost by the time we were ready to live. But thanks to phone is possible to find every lost soul and after five minutes we were ready to leave. Then we went to a new place where to have a lunch. It is amazing that around Sersale are many dining places. For our luck, we didn't have bread anymore, we had pasta instead. Carmine showed us how to make coffee without coffee beans and other useful culinary tips. Then we drove a long time until we stopped. We had a beautiful view from there but then we started our way down. We passed some fences but actually there was a reason why they were there. I saw about 100 ways to die and understood why we had a life insurance. I handled the situation pretty calmly but Mihkel came without footwear and Jane wore a dress. It was a pity that they didn't warned us about their plan to visit a WILD place. Canyon itself was amazing but full of shit XD Anyway, after that extreme road all other paths felt easy breezy. I was content that I was alive even though my legs were scratched. After that hard hiking tour we needed some refreshing. So, we demanded Inferno visit. The way there was long but place itself nice. We had another opportunity to swim and jump into the water. I just couldn't throw away the idea of Dall'Inferno by Marco Mengoni when someone mentioned Cascata Inferno. I wouldn't say that the place was hell but it was inspiring and maybe the place inspired the song as well. I see a similarity by cascata water and a phrase "Tu sei acqua che scorre nel tempo". Chissà? Anyway back in Sersale we though that we should visit shops with Jane. But hell no (inferno ovviamente). On Sunday everything is closed! We already had suffered under that siesta habit. We usually had break during the lunch as well but it was kind of impossible to visit gelateries because they were closed :( In the evening we had another singing festival on our restaurant entrance. I showed to Liis Fy Faen dancing moves and no matter that Marilind and Jane had never heard the song it became haunting them as well. My humming is annoying and I know it :D And party continued between Estonian and Bulgarian team + Guillaume in Irish pub. They didn't offered any ciders instead of that only good beer and we all received free gifts from staff. Two bracelets and a keychain. Totally a superstar life, free gifts and a lot of attention. |
AuthorMy connection with Erasmus+ projects. Youth exchanges and training courses. Archives
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